🇦🇪 Study in United Arab Emirates
Strong in business, engineering, technology. Safety safe (6/100).
United Arab Emirates is a relatively settled destination for international students, where living costs run about €800–€1800 a month. Its academic strengths sit in business, engineering, technology. Acceptance sits near 55%, and student visas process in around 20 days. Scholarship routes exist for eligible students.
Key facts · United Arab Emirates
Monthly cost
€800–1800
Acceptance rate
55%
Visa processing
~20d
Work visa
—
QS rank (best)
#177
Scholarships
Yes
Degree tuition
~€16,500/yr
Degree tuition: ~€16,500/yr (median) — range €9,500–€26,250/yr across 12 degree programmes in the Meridian dataset. International-student fees and specific programmes can differ; confirm on the university's official page.
Official languages: — · sources: Frankfurter/ECB (USD/EUR), UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), AE Immigration Authority. · How we calculate this
Figures are indicative estimates from the Meridian dataset — not official guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the official source before you decide.
Cost of living · United Arab Emirates
Rent
€700
Food
€320
Transport
€80
Other
€200
Monthly total
€1,300
Indicative monthly cost of living for a moderate lifestyle, ranging about €750–€2,020/mo from economic to comfortable — modeled estimates from the Meridian dataset; confirm current local prices before you budget.
Programs in United Arab Emirates
University degrees (14)
- Abu Dhabi UniversityAbu Dhabi University (ADU) (Arabic: جامعة أبوظبي) is a private research university with its main campus in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and satellite campuses in Al Ain, Dubai and Madinat Zayed. Founded in 2003 by Ali Saeed bin Harmal al-Dhaheri, it is the largest private institution in the country that offers courses in various subjects up to post-graduation.
- Ajman UniversityAjman University was established on 17 June 1988 as the first private university in the Gulf Cooperation Council. It was the first university in the United Arab Emirates to admit expatriate students under the institutional name "Ajman University College of Science and Technology," which was subsequently renamed "Ajman University of Science and Technology".
- Al Ain UniversityAl Ain University (AAU) (Arabic: جامعة العين), is a private university in the United Arab Emirates with two campuses: one in Al Ain, and the other in Abu Dhabi.
- American University in DubaiThe American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private for-profit university in Dubai, United Arab Emirates located in Dubai Media City. Founded in October 1995, AUD offers programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees.
- American University of Ras Al Khaimah ( AURAK )The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public, non-profit, independent institution located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It follows an American-style education model while integrating regional cultural values.
- American University of Sharjah (AUS)American University of Sharjah, 1997'de Sharjah'ta kurulan, Amerikan tarzı yükseköğretim modeli sunan kar amacı gütmeyen özel üniversitedir.
Summer schools (15)
- American University in Dubai — Summer Sessions (Direct Enroll)
- American University of Sharjah — CEN Summer School
- Canadian University Dubai — Summer Intake
- CIEE Summer in Abu Dhabi
- Eton Institute — Kids & Teens Summer Camp
- GEMS Education — Summer Camps
Boarding schools (3)
- Repton School DubaiRepton School Dubai is a boarding school option in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official school page available for families exploring residential study environments.
- Repton School Dubai BoardingRepton School Dubai Boarding is a boarding school option in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official school page available for families exploring residential study environments.
- Swiss International Scientific School in DubaiSwiss International Scientific School in Dubai is a boarding school option in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official school page available for families exploring residential study environments.
Foundation & pathway programs (3)
- American University of Sharjah Foundations ProgramAmerican University of Sharjah Foundations Program is the College of Architecture, Art and Design foundation year. The official page describes drawing studios, design studios, architecture, art and design history, writing and math courses that prepare students for CAAD majors.
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai Global College Foundation ProgrammeHeriot-Watt University Dubai Global College Foundation Programme is a foundation pathway option in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official programme page available for students preparing for further academic study.
- Murdoch University Dubai Foundation ProgramMurdoch University Dubai Foundation Program is a foundation pathway option in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official programme page available for students preparing for further academic study.
Language schools (19)
- Alliance Française DubaiAlliance française is an international organization that aims to promote the French language and francophone culture around the world. Created in Paris on 21 July 1883 under the name Alliance française pour la propagation de la langue nationale dans les colonies et à l'étranger, known now simply as L'Alliance française, its primary goal is teaching French as a second language. Headquartered in Paris, the Alliance had 850 centers in 137 countries on every inhabited continent in 2014.
- Alliance Francaise de Dubai Kids and TeensAlliance Francaise de Dubai Kids and Teens is a language programme provider in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official programme page available for learners exploring language study options.
- Arabic Language Centre DubaiArabic Language Centre Dubai is a language centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official programme page available for students exploring focused language study options.
- Berlitz UAEBerlitz UAE is a language institute offering courses in Arabic, English, and 10+ additional languages for adults, kids and teens, and businesses. The institution provides in-person and online instruction using the Berlitz Method, with locations including Abu Dhabi (Khalidiya), Dubai (JLT and Jumeirah), and access to 450+ centers across 70+ countries. Services include private tutoring, group classes, business language training, seminars, and language assessment.
- Berlitz UAE Kids and Teens English DubaiBerlitz UAE Kids and Teens English Dubai is a language programme provider in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an official programme page available for learners exploring language study options.
- EC Dubai
Exchange programs (10)
- AIESEC in the United Arab Emirates
- American University in Dubai - Study Abroad and Exchange
- American University of Sharjah - International Exchange Office (IXO)The American University of Sharjah is a private university in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 1997 by Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Located in University City in Sharjah, AUS has just under 7000 students from more than 94 countries and a full-time faculty of 380 from 58 countries.
- Amideast UAEAmideast UAE is a field office established in 1996 that provides testing, professional and workforce development training, English language training, and scholarship program services throughout the United Arab Emirates. The organization operates offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and serves Emirati nationals, international students, and expatriates. Programs include English language courses, professional skills training, standardized test preparation (TOEFL ITP, GRE), and scholarship opportunities for UAE nationals from high school through graduate level.
- Khalifa University International Student ServicesKhalifa University International Student Services is an exchange-oriented study option linked to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with an official programme page available for students exploring temporary academic mobility opportunities.
- NYU Abu Dhabi - Office of Global Education (Study Away & Visiting Students)
See all programs, filters and matches in the Meridian app.
Scholarships for United Arab Emirates
- Khalifa University Postgraduate Scholarships
- Khalifa University Undergraduate Scholarships
- United Arab Emirates University Scholarships
Scholarships from the Meridian dataset — eligibility, amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the official source. Browse all scholarships →
Study-abroad guidance by email
Leave your email for country shortlists, application deadlines, and practical study-abroad tips. No account needed.
Free on iOS & Android
Go deeper on United Arab Emirates in the Meridian app
See all 64 programs in United Arab Emirates, get live risk scores, and ask ATLAS about visas, costs and scholarships — free in the app.